Chain of Command During the WWII, the US Navy promoted Stedman first to the rank of captain and then to rear admiral and appointed him first Commandant of Cadets and then Superintendent at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He served as the academy’s superintendent from 1943 to 1946.
Criteria The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in... The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in any Federally recognized naval militia force in either active or in-active status. The award of the Naval Reserve Medal was discontinued on September 12, 1958, and has been replaced by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. MoreHide
Description The plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest PaciThe plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest Pacific under General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the other in the Central, South, and North Pacific (Pacific Ocean Areas) under Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were created early in the war. Except in the South and Southwest Pacific, each conducted its own operations with its own ground, air, and naval forces in widely separated areas. These operations required at first only a relatively small number of troops whose efforts often yielded strategic gains which cannot be measured by the size of the forces involved. Indeed, the nature of the objectivesùsmall islands, coral atolls, and jungle-bound harbors and airstrips, made the employment of large ground forces impossible and highlighted the importance of air and naval operations. Thus, until 1945, the war in the Pacific progressed by a double series of amphibious operations each of which fitted into a strategic pattern developed in Washington.... More
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description The Dutch East Indies campaign of 1941–42 was the conquest of the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) by forces from the Empire of Japan in the early days of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Forces froThe Dutch East Indies campaign of 1941–42 was the conquest of the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) by forces from the Empire of Japan in the early days of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Forces from the Allies attempted unsuccessfully to defend the islands. Indonesia was targeted by the Japanese for its rich oil resources which would become a vital asset during the war. The campaign and subsequent three and a half year Japanese occupation was also a major factor in the end of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia.... More
Criteria The Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon was issued to any officer of the Naval Reserve who had commanded a Naval Reserve Battalion for a period exceeding four years. To be eligible for the Reserve Spe... The Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon was issued to any officer of the Naval Reserve who had commanded a Naval Reserve Battalion for a period exceeding four years. To be eligible for the Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon, an officer must also have served greater than ten years in the Naval Reserve as a whole. MoreHide
Description 1930-1941, The Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon was issued to any officer of the Naval Reserve who had commanded a Naval Reserve Battalion for a period exceeding four years. To be eligible for the ... 1930-1941, The Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon was issued to any officer of the Naval Reserve who had commanded a Naval Reserve Battalion for a period exceeding four years. To be eligible for the Reserve Special Commendation Ribbon, an officer must also have served greater than ten years in the Naval Reserve as a whole. MoreHide
Criteria The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in... The China Service Medal was awarded to Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel who: Served ashore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937, and September 7, 1939; or who Served ashore in China or were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946 could be credited for eligibility for the China Service Medal unless the individual was eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal based on service performed prior to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Criteria
The Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments Navy Cross
Dangerous winter storms in the North Atlantic threatened shipping in early 1933. Captain Legg of the SS Exeter City and three of his crew were swept overboard, and the British freighter bega... Navy Cross
Dangerous winter storms in the North Atlantic threatened shipping in early 1933. Captain Legg of the SS Exeter City and three of his crew were swept overboard, and the British freighter began taking on water and sinking. Lieutenant Commander Giles braved the storm, bring his ship to the rescue 650 miles east of Cape Race, and successfully saved the remaining 22 members of the Exeter City.
Awarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards (1933)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Giles C. Stedman, United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the S.S. American Merchant when that vessel was engaged in the rescue of twenty-two members of the crew of the British freighter Exeter City which was sinking in the mid-Atlantic, on 20 January 1933. Lieutenant Commander Stedman's excellent seamanship, keen judgment, and professional ability displayed in saving twenty-two lives during a howling wind and a dangerous sea without detriment to his own command is of the highest order and in accordance with the best traditions of the Naval Service.
General Orders: Bureau of Navigation Bulletin 199 (September 23, 1933)
Action Date: January 20, 1933
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. American Merchant MoreHide
Criteria
The Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water.
Comments
1933 Captain Giles C. Stedman Given Life-Saving Benevolent Medal.
Captain Giles C. Stedman (USNR and USMM) Given Life-Saving Benevolent Association Medal by Herbert L. Satterlee, dated 04-28-1933.
Criteria The Silver Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of water. To me... The Silver Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of water. To merit award of the Silver Lifesaving Medal, the rescue must involve such significant effort that it merits recognition, but not at the level recognized by the Gold Lifesaving Medal. MoreHide
Comments United States Lines - S.S. PRESIDENT HARDING:
New York celebrated with a parade and ceremonies at City Hall in tribute to the brave crew of PRESIDENT HARDING, who, by a great display of courage, resc... United States Lines - S.S. PRESIDENT HARDING:
New York celebrated with a parade and ceremonies at City Hall in tribute to the brave crew of PRESIDENT HARDING, who, by a great display of courage, rescued the captain and crew of 27 of the Italian S.S. IGNAZIO FLORIO, which foundered in mid-ocean. A large share of the credit for this rescue goes to Salvatore Bracco, who, because of his knowledge of the Italian language, translated the wireless messages being sent from the doomed ship.
A very heavy sea had been running all night on October 18th, and Bracco was up trying to save the PRESIDENT HARDING's stores, which were being tossed about by the rolling and pitching of the liner. After working through the night, he turned in about 9:00 a.m. the following day, thoroughly fatigued. He was awakened a few hours later by Chief Officer Giles C. Stedman, who inquired if could read and write Italian. Answering in the affirmative, he was informed that SOS signals had been received from an Italian ship, but that the radiomen were unable to understand the messages which were being sent in Italian.
Upon reaching the wireless room, he was handed a message from IGNAZIO FLORIO and in translation it read "Very Bad Sea and wind. No possible reparation of steering. Please come quickly". The response was sent "Making all possible speed, eight knots at present, hang on." Bracco remained at his post in the radio room all Monday and Tuesday, translating messages sent between the two .ships. When PRESIDENT HARDING came within sight of the foundering freighter on Wednesday, he volunteered his services in the crew of the rescue boat, which was in the charge of Chief Officer Stedman.
When the rescue boat reached IGNAZIO FLORIO, the freighter was listing about 30 degrees. Stedman asked those on board to throw out a line which was made fast and held in the lifeboat. With four men pulling on the oars against the sea, the rescue was effected, the IGNAZIO FLORIO crew pulling themselves along the line to the lifeboat into which they were pulled by the men of PRESIDENT HARDING.
PRESIDENT HARDING was commanded by Captain Paul C. Grening who, on June 14, 1930, received the Treasury Department Silver Lifesaving Medal for this heroic action. Also on this date, Chief Officer Giles C. Stedman, Frederick Strelow, John Wiggele, Thomas Seaton, Karl Meyer, Charles Skare and Richard Carlson received Treasury Department Gold Lifesaving Medals. Salvatore Bracco was to receive the second award bar for his already-presented gold medal (fig 2). Oddly enough, Bracco's medal was awarded for the second rescue and the bar for the first rescue! Chief Officer Stedman would go on to receive the Silver Lifesaving Medal on August 3, 1933, while serving as Captain of the United States Lines - S.S. AMERICAN MERCHANT.
Once again New York City geared up for a rousing reception and tribute in January 1929, for Captain George Fried and the gallant crew of the liner S.S. AMERICA for their rescue of the officers and crew of the Italian tramp steamer S.S. FLORIDA.
On January 12, 1929, a gales swept down on the little steamer and it continued through January 20th, when things got even worse. How fiercely the gale raged might not be realized but for one seaman's phrase. He said "green" water broke over the ship fore and aft. These were no rolling waves throwing weak white crests along the decks, but watery mountains that lifted high above the ship and boarded her in full force, still solid and strong and green. Shortly before midnight the rudder chains gave xvay and the ship was out of control. For the next three days repeated efforts were made to repair the damage and at times emergency steering apparatus was in operation.
As the hours and days passed, the storm increased instead of blowing out. The bridge was carried away, as well as the chart room and the lifeboat, a hatch was stove in, the ship listed to its gunwale and one wave that boarded the freighter almost carried the captain and half of his crew overboard. On January 22nd, Captain Giuseppe Favoloro, realizing his helplessness, sent out an SOS, which was answered by the American freighter S.S. DANNEDAIKE. The exchange of messages was too weak to be heard by other ships or station on land. DANNEDAIKE radioed that she would come to his aid, being about 50 miles away. In a short time, DANNEDAIKE reported that she herself was in trouble. The first general knowledge of distress at sea was the SOS call of FLORIDA in midmorning of January 23rd, and the quickly-following SOS of DANNEDAIKE.
FLORIDA's SOS was responded to by AMERICA, which began a race a gainst time. Their ships were in constant communication by wireless, with AMERICA groping her way by radio direction finder. FLORIDA was unable to give an exact position as all of her instruments were lost overboard. The only section of the ship in working order was the wireless room.
AMERICA finally loomed on the horizon. Squalls of alternating sleet, rain and heavy snow
MoreHide
Criteria
The Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water.
Comments United States Lines - S.S. PRESIDENT HARDING:
New York celebrated with a parade and ceremonies at City Hall in tribute to the brave crew of PRESIDENT HARDING, who, by a great display of courage, resc... United States Lines - S.S. PRESIDENT HARDING:
New York celebrated with a parade and ceremonies at City Hall in tribute to the brave crew of PRESIDENT HARDING, who, by a great display of courage, rescued the captain and crew of 27 of the Italian S.S. IGNAZIO FLORIO, which foundered in mid-ocean. A large share of the credit for this rescue goes to Salvatore Bracco, who, because of his knowledge of the Italian language, translated the wireless messages being sent from the doomed ship.
A very heavy sea had been running all night on October 18th, and Bracco was up trying to save the PRESIDENT HARDING's stores, which were being tossed about by the rolling and pitching of the liner. After working through the night, he turned in about 9:00 a.m. the following day, thoroughly fatigued. He was awakened a few hours later by Chief Officer Giles C. Stedman, who inquired if could read and write Italian. Answering in the affirmative, he was informed that SOS signals had been received from an Italian ship, but that the radiomen were unable to understand the messages which were being sent in Italian.
Upon reaching the wireless room, he was handed a message from IGNAZIO FLORIO and in translation it read "Very Bad Sea and wind. No possible reparation of steering. Please come quickly". The response was sent "Making all possible speed, eight knots at present, hang on." Bracco remained at his post in the radio room all Monday and Tuesday, translating messages sent between the two .ships. When PRESIDENT HARDING came within sight of the foundering freighter on Wednesday, he volunteered his services in the crew of the rescue boat, which was in the charge of Chief Officer Stedman.
When the rescue boat reached IGNAZIO FLORIO, the freighter was listing about 30 degrees. Stedman asked those on board to throw out a line which was made fast and held in the lifeboat. With four men pulling on the oars against the sea, the rescue was effected, the IGNAZIO FLORIO crew pulling themselves along the line to the lifeboat into which they were pulled by the men of PRESIDENT HARDING.
PRESIDENT HARDING was commanded by Captain Paul C. Grening who, on June 14, 1930, received the Treasury Department Silver Lifesaving Medal for this heroic action. Also on this date, Chief Officer Giles C. Stedman, Frederick Strelow, John Wiggele, Thomas Seaton, Karl Meyer, Charles Skare and Richard Carlson received Treasury Department Gold Lifesaving Medals. Salvatore Bracco was to receive the second award bar for his already-presented gold medal (fig 2). Oddly enough, Bracco's medal was awarded for the second rescue and the bar for the first rescue! Chief Officer Stedman would go on to receive the Silver Lifesaving Medal on August 3, 1933, while serving as Captain of the United States Lines - S.S. AMERICAN MERCHANT.
Once again New York City geared up for a rousing reception and tribute in January 1929, for Captain George Fried and the gallant crew of the liner S.S. AMERICA for their rescue of the officers and crew of the Italian tramp steamer S.S. FLORIDA.
On January 12, 1929, a gales swept down on the little steamer and it continued through January 20th, when things got even worse. How fiercely the gale raged might not be realized but for one seaman's phrase. He said "green" water broke over the ship fore and aft. These were no rolling waves throwing weak white crests along the decks, but watery mountains that lifted high above the ship and boarded her in full force, still solid and strong and green. Shortly before midnight the rudder chains gave xvay and the ship was out of control. For the next three days repeated efforts were made to repair the damage and at times emergency steering apparatus was in operation.
As the hours and days passed, the storm increased instead of blowing out. The bridge was carried away, as well as the chart room and the lifeboat, a hatch was stove in, the ship listed to its gunwale and one wave that boarded the freighter almost carried the captain and half of his crew overboard. On January 22nd, Captain Giuseppe Favoloro, realizing his helplessness, sent out an SOS, which was answered by the American freighter S.S. DANNEDAIKE. The exchange of messages was too weak to be heard by other ships or station on land. DANNEDAIKE radioed that she would come to his aid, being about 50 miles away. In a short time, DANNEDAIKE reported that she herself was in trouble. The first general knowledge of distress at sea was the SOS call of FLORIDA in midmorning of January 23rd, and the quickly-following SOS of DANNEDAIKE.
FLORIDA's SOS was responded to by AMERICA, which began a race a gainst time. Their ships were in constant communication by wireless, with AMERICA groping her way by radio direction finder. FLORIDA was unable to give an exact position as all of her instruments were lost overboard. The only section of the ship in working order was the wireless room.
AMERICA finally loomed on the horizon. Squalls of alternating sleet, rain and heavy snow
MoreHide
Comments First rescue at sea and acts of seagoing heroism:
In 1925, while serving as the First officer of the passenger liner SS Harding, in raging seas and at great personal risk, Stedman commanded the lifeb... First rescue at sea and acts of seagoing heroism:
In 1925, while serving as the First officer of the passenger liner SS Harding, in raging seas and at great personal risk, Stedman commanded the lifeboat that accomplished the near impossible task of rescuing the entire crew of the sinking Italian cargo ship Ignazio Florio. Stedman received civilian medals from the governments of Italy, the United States and from the Lifesaving Benevolent Association for his actions, and a ticker tape parade through New York City honored the entire crew of the Harding. MoreHide
Other Memories
The second USS Ossipee (WPG-50) was a United States Coast Guard cutter that served in the Coast Guard from 1915 to 1917, in the United States Navy from 1917 to 1919, in the Coast Guard again from 1919 to 1941, and in the Navy again from 1941 to 1945.
Ossipee, built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation, Newport News, Virginia, as a cruising cutter, was launched in 1915. Accepted by the United States Government on 10 July 1915, she commissioned on 28 July 1915. She arrived at Portland, Maine, on 17 August 1915 and commenced coastal patrol and rescue operations in the U.S. Coast Guard in a cruising district from Eastport, Maine, to Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
Transferred to the U.S. Navy by an Executive Order of 6 April 1917 for service in World War I, Ossipee was assigned to Squadron Two, Division Six, Atlantic Patrol Forces. She arrived at Gibraltar on 30 August 1917, and assumed convoy escort duty between Gibraltar and the United Kingdom. She also took part in anti-submarine operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The cutter cruised in the war zone from 23 August 1917 until 11 November 1918, during which time she assisted in the escort of 596 merchant ships, only five of which were lost to submarine action.
Ossipee returned to the control of the Department of the Treasury for Coast Guard service in accordance with an Executive Order of 28 August 1919. Upon return to the United States, she resumed patrol and rescue operations out of Portland, Maine. She also helped to reinaugurate the cruises of the International Ice Patrol in the winter of 1920-1921. During Prohibition in the United States, the cutter was called upon to serve as an occasional unit of the Coast Guard's seagoing force that battled the "rum-runners".
Ossipee continued coastal patrol, rescue, and navigational aid service operations out of Portland, Maine, through 1935. Transferred to Great Lakes duty in 1936, she was assigned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. By the time of her second transfer to the Navy on 1 November 1941, she was carried on the Coast Guard Register as a "miscellaneous cutter." Her World War II operations consisted of Lake Erie patrols out of Cleveland, Ohio.
Ossipee decommissioned on 12 June 1945 and was sold on 18 September 1946 to Harold H. Neff of East Cleveland, Ohio.
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Description
Served 1917-1919 as a Quartermaster in the Coast Guard.
During the WWII, the US Navy promoted Stedman first to the rank of captain and then to rear admiral and appointed him first Commandant of Cadets and then Superintendent at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He served as the academy’s superintendent from 1943 to 1946.